English at the London Center

Why go to London?

Imagine reading Charles Dickens and then following in the footsteps of Oliver Twist through the back
alleys of London, visiting the landscapes Turner and Constable painted or the places Wordsworth and
Keats wrote about, investigating the recording studio on Abbey Road made famous by the Beatles. Think
what a drama class would be like if it took you to more than 20 plays on the London stage. Imagine
yourself working for an international corporation as an intern.

If any of these possibilities interest you, then consider a semester at the IC London Center. An
English major benefits greatly from such a study-abroad program -- not only from the courses, but also
from many rich cultural and personal experiences outside the classroom. Through the London Center's
internship program, an English major can have a direct window into the professional world, gaining
invaluable background for a career. With so many opportunities available, there is no better time to
travel abroad than as an undergraduate.

Academic environment

The Ithaca College London Center provides a cultural bridge between the American and British systems
of higher education. Faculty members bring their own uniquely British perspective to the classroom and
to the content of their courses, offering a different approach to teaching and learning that is based
on their British background. For instance, in many British universities students are responsible for
completing recommended readings beyond the course syllabus in order to enhance their general knowledge
in a specific field. American students find themselves encouraged to work more independently as a
London Center student, since class lectures are often designed to supplement rather than duplicate
assigned readings. They also find that the curriculum encourages exploration of British society and
customs.

Cultural core

Many students select at least one of their courses from the "cultural core," a set of courses
providing an introduction to the cultural traditions and aesthetic heritage of Britain:

Fall Term:
British Art and Architecture I: 1066-1660
Victorian Art and Society
Drama and the London Theater
Music in London
Shakespeare

Spring Term:
British Art and Architecture II: 1660-1914
The Romantic Movement in British Art and Architecture
Music in London
Opera
Shakespeare

Internships

The London Center provides internship opportunities for qualified students who seek to apply their
formal academic preparation to the "real world." By affording them first-hand experience in the world
of work, internships encourage students to communicate effectively, take initiative, and accept
responsibility.

An internship in London allows students to work two days a week in London while engaged in full-time
academic study. Students may choose from a number of internship fields, including business,
communications, economics, humanities, politics, social service, and theater. In the past, a number of
English majors have had internships with groups such as Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood, Charles
Dickens House Museum, Penguin Publishing, The Big Issue magazine, SOHO Theater Company,
TODAY newspaper, the Press Association, and the Attic Theater. For more information on
internship possibilities, contact the Office of International
Programs.

Getting started

The Office of International Programs, 214 Muller Faculty
Center, is the first place to go for more information about the application process. Ask your advisor
for help in planning your schedule in London and in satisfying degree requirements. Speak to members of
the English department for suggestions about sights to see in London that have a connection to what you
are reading in your courses.